Trends in Economic Performance: A Long-Term Assessment of Atlantic Canada

August 1, 2003

Vol. 38, No. 2, Summer 2003

Atlantic Canada matched the national growth rate in real GDP during the 1980s, with average annual growth of 2.8%. Since 1990, economic growth in the Atlantic region has slipped behind the national rate. Atlantic Canada’s economic performance over the past decade appears slightly better once its slower population growth is taken into consideration. Although labour productivity in the Atlantic region is increasing, it remains well below the Canadian average. Moreover, the Maritime provinces are slowly slipping further behind the national rate. Analysis by APEC suggests a renewed focus on regional development strategies that support economic growth is essential if Atlantic Canadians are to join the path to prosperity shared by the rest of the country.

Publication Files

August 1, 2003

Trends in Economic Performance: A Long-Term Assessment of Atlantic Canada